22nd Navajo Council passes removal of language requirement just after midnight

After hours of seemingly endless debating, the Navajo Nation Council voted just after midnight to remove the Navajo language requirement from qualifications to run for Navajo Nation President.

Pro tem Speaker LoRenzo Bates had to step in and break a 10 to 10 tie to pass the resolution as people in the audience cheered.After hours of seemingly endless debating, the Navajo Nation Council voted just after midnight to remove the Navajo language requirement from qualifications to run for Navajo Nation President.

In breaking the tie, Bates said he was prepared to deal with the consequences of his vote, Bates’ vote gives Chris Deschene, who was disqualified by the Office of Hearings and Appeals on Oct. 9, another chance to get back on the ballot.